Abstract
The invention relates to a multi-purpose tile system, in particular a floor tile system, comprising a plurality of multi-purpose tiles, in particular floor Liles, wall tiles, or ceiling tiles. The invention also relates to a tile covering, in particular floor covering, ceiling covering, or wall covering, consisting of mutually coupled tiles according to the invention. The invention further relates to a tile for use in multi-purpose tile system according to the invention.
Claims
1.-63. (canceled)
64. A multi-purpose tile system comprising a plurality of multi-purpose tiles wherein said tiles are configured to being joined in a chevron pattern, wherein each tile comprises: a first pair of opposing edges comprising a first edge and an opposite second edge; a second pair of opposing edges comprising a third edge and an opposing fourth edge, wherein: the first edge and the third edge enclose a first acute angle, and wherein the second edge and the fourth edge enclose a second acute angle opposing said first acute angle, and wherein the second edge and the third edge enclose a first obtuse angle, and wherein the first edge and the fourth edge enclose a second obtuse angle opposing said first obtuse angle, and wherein the first pair of opposing edges have pairs of opposing first mechanical coupling means for locking together said tiles at least vertically, comprising: a first coupling profile comprising a sideward tongue extending in a direction substantially parallel to an upper side of the tile, and an opposing second coupling profile comprising a recess configured for accommodating at least a part of the sideward tongue of a further tile, said recess being defined by an upper lip and a lower lip, wherein said first mechanical coupling profiles allow locking together said tiles by inward angling whereby at least a part of the sideward tongue is received by the recess, and wherein the second pair of opposing edges have pairs of opposing second mechanical coupling means for locking together said tiles vertically and horizontally, comprising: a third coupling profile, comprising an upward tongue, at least one upward flank lying at a distance from the upward tongue and an upward groove formed between the upward tongue and the upward flank, wherein at least a part of a side of the upward tongue facing the upward flank is inclined toward the upward flank, and wherein at least a part of a side of the upward tongue facing away from the upward flank optionally comprises at least one first locking element, which preferably makes integral part of the upward tongue, and a fourth coupling profile, comprising a downward tongue, at least one downward flank lying at a distance from the downward tongue, and a downward groove formed between the downward tongue and the downward flank, wherein at least a part of a side of the downward tongue facing the downward flank is inclined toward the downward flank, and wherein the downward flank optionally comprises at least one second locking element, which preferably makes integral part of the downward flank, and adapted for co-action with the at least one first locking element of yet a further tile, wherein the second mechanical coupling profiles allow locking together said tiles during inward angling of the first coupling profile of a tile and the second coupling profile of another tile, wherein the fourth coupling profile of the tile to be coupled makes a scissoring movement toward the third coupling profile of yet another tile, leading to locking of the third coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile, wherein each tile comprises a substantially rigid base layer at least partially made of a non-foamed composite comprising at least one plastic material and at least one filler, wherein at least one tile comprises at least one upper substrate affixed to an upper side the base layer, wherein said upper substrate comprises a decorative layer wherein at least one tile comprises a plurality of strip shaped upper substrates affixed to an upper side the base layer, wherein said upper substrates are arranged side by side in the same plane, preferably in a parallel configuration, and wherein facing longitudinal edges of at least two strip shaped upper substrates are preferably provided, near the top side, with a bevel.
65. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 64, wherein the system comprises two different types of tiles (A and B respectively), and wherein the first mechanical coupling means of one type of tile along the first pair of opposite edges are arranged in a mirror-inverted manner relative to the corresponding first mechanical coupling means along the same first pair of opposite edge portions of the other type of tile.
66. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 64, wherein at least one tile has a configuration wherein: the first coupling profile is arranged at the first edge; the second coupling profile is arranged at the second edge; the third coupling profile is arranged at the third edge; and the fourth coupling profile is arranged at the fourth edge.
67. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 64, wherein at least one tile has a configuration wherein: the first coupling profile is arranged at the second edge; the second coupling profile is arranged at the first edge; the third coupling profile is arranged at the third edge; and the fourth coupling profile is arranged at the fourth edge.
68. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 64, wherein: the first coupling profile comprises a sideward tongue extending in a direction substantially parallel to the upper side of the tile, the bottom front region of said sideward tongue, the bottom back region of said tongue being configured as bearing region, wherein the bottom back region is located closer to the level of the upper side of the tile than a lowest part of the bottom front region, and wherein the second coupling profile comprises a recess for accommodating at least a part of the sideward tongue of a further tile, said recess being defined by an upper lip and a lower lip, said lower lip being provided with a upwardly protruding shoulder for supporting and/or facing the bearing region of the sideward tongue, wherein the sideward tongue being designed such that locking takes place by an introduction movement into the recess of the sideward tongue a further tile and a angling down movement about an axis parallel to the first coupling profile, as a result of which a top side of the sideward tongue will engage the upper lip and the bearing region of the sideward tongue will be supported by and/or will be facing the shoulder of the lower lip, leading to locking of adjacent tiles at the first and second edges in both horizontal direction and vertical direction.
69. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 64, wherein: the third coupling profile comprises an upward tongue, at least one upward flank lying at a distance from the upward tongue and an upward groove formed between the upward tongue and the upward flank, wherein at least a part of a side of the upward tongue facing the upward flank is inclined toward the upward flank, and wherein at least a part of a side of the upward tongue facing away from the upward flank optionally comprises at least one first locking element, which preferably makes integral part of the upward tongue, and wherein the fourth coupling profile comprises a downward tongue, at least one downward flank lying at a distance from the downward tongue, and a downward groove formed between the downward tongue and the downward flank, wherein at least a part of a side of the downward tongue facing the downward flank is inclined toward the downward flank, and wherein the downward flank optionally comprises at least one second locking element, which preferably makes integral part of the downward flank, and adapted for co-action with the at least one first locking element of the third coupling profile of yet a further tile, the third and fourth coupling profiles being designed such that locking takes place during angling down of a tile to be coupled at the first coupling profile to the second coupling profile of a further tile, wherein the fourth coupling profile of the tile to be coupled makes a scissoring movement toward a third coupling profile of yet another tile, such that the downward tongue of the fourth coupling profile of the tile to be coupled will be forced into the upward groove of the third coupling profile of said other tile and the upward tongue of said other tile will be forced into the downward groove of the tile the be coupled, by deformation of the third coupling profile and/or the coupling profile edge, leading to locking of adjacent tiles at the third and fourth coupling profiles in both horizontal direction and vertical direction.
70. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 64, wherein the length of the first edge and the length of the second edge of a tile are substantially identical.
71. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 64, wherein the length of the first edge and the length of the second edge of a tile are greater than the length of the third edge and the fourth edge of said tile.
72. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 64, wherein the first acute angle and the second acute angle are situated between 30 and 60 degrees.
73. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 64, wherein the first obtuse angle and the second obtuse angle are situated between 120 and 150 degrees.
74. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 64, wherein at least one pair of opposing edges of a tile, preferably each tile, are provided, near the top side, with a bevel.
75. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 64, wherein each strip shaped upper substrate comprises: a decorative layer and an abrasion resistant wear layer covering said decorative layer, wherein a top surface of said wear layer is the top surface of said tile, and wherein the wear layer is a transparent and/or translucent material, such that decorative layer is visible through the transparent wear layer, and wherein each bevel provided at facing longitudinal edges of at least two strip shaped upper substrates is formed by a cut-away portion and/or imprinted portion of said wear layer, and, optionally, a transparent finishing layer situated in between the decorative layer and the wear layer, and optionally, a back layer situated in between the base layer and the decorative layer.
76. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 64, wherein each strip shaped upper substrate comprises a substantially transparent or translucent three-dimensional embossing structure at least partially covering said print layer.
77. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 64, wherein each of the plurality of upper substrates comprises a decorative layer, wherein the decorative layers of at least two adjacently arranged upper substrates have different appearances.
78. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 64, wherein at least one filler of the base layer is selected from the group consisting of: talc, chalk, wood, calcium carbonate, and a mineral filler.
79. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 64, wherein a side of the downward tongue facing away from the downward flank is provided with a third locking element, and wherein the upward flank is provided with a fourth locking element, said third locking element being adapted to cooperate with a fourth locking element of another tile.
80. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 64, wherein distinctive visual markings are applied to different tile types, preferably for installation purposes.
81. The multi-purpose tile system according to claim 64, wherein the decorative layer is formed by an ink layer digitally directly printed onto a supporting layer, such as the base layer or a primer layer applied onto the base layer.
82. A tile covering comprising mutually coupled tiles of the multi-purpose tile system according to claim 64.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0095] The invention will be elucidated on the basis of non-limitative exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures. Herein shows:
[0096] FIG. 1 a schematic representation of a tile for use in multi-purpose tile system according to the invention;
[0097] FIG. 2a a first cross section of the tile shown in FIG. 1;
[0098] FIG. 2b a coupled position of two tiles including coupling profiles as shown in FIG. 2a;
[0099] FIG. 2c an alternative configuration of the tile shown in FIG. 2a;
[0100] FIG. 2d a coupled position of two tiles including coupling profiles as shown in FIG. 2c;
[0101] FIG. 3a a second cross-section of the tile as shown in FIG. 1;
[0102] FIG. 3b a coupled position of two tiles as shown in FIG. 3a;
[0103] FIG. 3c-g alternative configuration of the coupling profiles of the tiles shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b;
[0104] FIG. 4 a schematic representation of a side view of the laminate details of a first possible embodiment of a tile according to the invention;
[0105] FIG. 5 show a schematic representation of a side view of the laminate details of a second possible embodiment of a tile according to the invention;
[0106] FIG. 6a a schematic representation of a first type of tile for use in a multi-purpose tile system according to the invention;
[0107] FIG. 6b a schematic representation of a second type of tile for use in multi-purpose tile system according to the invention;
[0108] FIG. 7 a schematic representation of a first example of a multi-purpose tile system according to the invention;
[0109] FIG. 8 a schematic representation of a second example of a multi-purpose tile system according to the invention;
[0110] FIG. 9 a schematic representation of a third example of a multi-purpose tile system according to the invention;
[0111] FIG. 10 a schematic representation of a fourth example of a multi-purpose tile system according to the invention;
[0112] FIG. 11, a schematic cross-section of a tile according to the invention;
[0113] FIG. 12 a detailed cross-section of an upper substrate as used in the tile according to FIG. 11;
[0114] FIG. 13 another schematic cross-section of the tile as shown in FIG. 11;
[0115] FIG. 14 a cross-section of a multilayer base layer for use in a tile according to the invention; and
[0116] FIG. 15 a detailed cross-section of a foamed base layer for use in a tile according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0117] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of the general configuration of a tile 101 for use in multi-purpose tile system according to the invention. The figure shows a tile 100 including a first pair of opposing edges consisting of a first edge 101 and an opposite second edge 102 and a second pair of opposing edges consisting of a third edge 103 and an opposing fourth edge 104. The first edge 101 and the third edge 103 enclose a first acute angle 105 and the second edge 102 and the fourth edge 104) enclose a second acute angle 106 opposing said first acute angle 105. The second edge 102 and the third edge 103 enclose a first obtuse angle 107, and the first edge 101 and the fourth edge 104 enclose a second obtuse angle 108 opposing said first obtuse angle 107. Both the first pair of opposing edges 101, 102 and the second pair of opposing edges 103, 104 include opposing mechanical coupling means for locking purposes. FIG. 1 shows in an indicative way how the configuration of mechanical coupling means of the tile 100 can be performed. The first edge 101 includes a first coupling profile 109 and the second edge includes 102 includes a second coupling profile 110. The first coupling profile 109 and the second coupling profile 110 will be elucidated in more detail in FIGS. 3a and 3b. The third edge 103 includes a third coupling profile 111 and the fourth edge 104 includes a fourth coupling profile 112. The third coupling profile 111 and the fourth coupling profile 112 will be elucidated in more detail in FIGS. 2a and 2b, and alternatives thereof in FIGS. 2c and 2d. The tile 100 includes a substantially rigid base layer 113 which is at least partially made of a foamed composite including at least one a closed cell foam plastic material and at least one filler. Cross-sections of lines A-A′ and B-B′ and alternatives thereof are schematically shown in FIGS. 2a-3g. The tile 100 has the shape of a parallelogram, such that multiple tiles 100 can form a chevron pattern in a joined state. Optionally, the first pair of opposing edges 101, 102 and/or the second pair of opposing edges 103, 104 may be provided with a bevel near the top surface. In the figures discussed below, likewise one or more bevels may be applied. Additionally, the tile 101 may include a plurality of strip shaped upper substrates affixed to the upper side of a base layer (core layer) of the tile, as for example shown in FIGS. 5, 6a, and 6b. Here, longitudinal edges of at least two strip shaped upper substrates are preferably provided, near the top surface, with bevels.
[0118] FIG. 2a shows a schematic representation of a cross-sections of line A-A′ of the tile 100 shown in FIG. 1. The figure shows the third edge 103 including a third coupling profile 111 and the fourth edge 104 including a fourth coupling profile 112. FIG. 2b shows a schematic representation of the coupled position of two tiles 100a, 100b including coupling profiles 111, 112 as shown in FIG. 2a. The third coupling profile includes an upward tongue 113, an upward flank 114 lying at a distance from the upward tongue 113 and an upward groove 115 formed between the upward tongue 113 and the upward flank 114. The fourth coupling profile 112 includes a downward tongue 116, a downward flank 117 lying at a distance from the downward tongue 116, and a downward groove 118 formed between the downward tongue 116 and the downward flank 117. A side 116b facing away from the downward flank 117 is diagonally oriented. The side 116b has a substantially straight design, where the complementary side 114a of the upward flank 114 has a rounded design. An air gap 119 is formed in the coupled position shown in FIG. 2b. The third coupling profile 111 includes a first locking element 120 which is adapted for co-action with a second locking element 121 which is provided in the flank 117 of the fourth coupling profile 112. The first locking element 120 includes an outward bulge, and the second locking element 121 includes a recess, which outward bulge is adapted to be at least partially received in a recess of an adjacent coupled tile for the purpose of realizing a locked coupling. FIG. 2b shows a tile 100b being coupled with an adjacent tile 100a, leading to locking of the third coupling profile 111 and the fourth coupling profile 112. The tongues 113, 116, flanks 114, 117 and grooves 115, 118 of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2a-b have a substantially rounded design. However, it is also possible that the tongues 113, 116, flanks 114, 117 and/or grooves 115, 118 have a more rectilinear design.
[0119] FIG. 2c shows a schematic representation of an alternative configuration of the tile 100 equivalent to the tile 100 shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, wherein the figure shows a possible cross-section of line A-A′ of the tile 100 shown in FIG. 1. Similar reference numbers show similar or equivalent technical features. The third edge 103 includes a third coupling profile 111 and the fourth edge 104 includes a fourth coupling profile 112. FIG. 2d shows a schematic representation of the coupled position of two tiles 100a, 100b including coupling profiles 111, 112 as shown in FIG. 2c. The third coupling profile includes an upward tongue 113, an upward flank 114 lying at a distance from the upward tongue 113 and an upward groove 115 formed between the upward tongue 113 and the upward flank 114. The fourth coupling profile 112 includes a downward tongue 116, a downward flank 117 lying at a distance from the downward tongue 116, and a downward groove 118 formed between the downward tongue 116 and the downward flank 117. In the shown embodiment a side of the downward tongue 116 facing away from the downward flank 117 is provided with a third locking element 126, and the upward flank 114 is provided with a fourth locking element 127, said third locking element 126 being adapted to cooperate with a fourth locking element 127 of another tile 100. This would result in an additional inner locking mechanism, which could further improve the stability and reliability of the coupling. The co-action between the third locking element 126 and the fourth locking element 127, in coupled condition of two tiles, defines a tangent T1 which encloses an angle A1 with a plane defined by the tile, which angle A1 is smaller than an angle A2 enclosed by said plane defined by the tile and a tangent T2 defined by a co-action between an inclined part of a side of the upward tongue 113 facing toward the upward flank 114 and an inclined part of a side of the downward tongue 116 facing toward the downward flank 117. In general, the greatest difference between angle A1 and angle A2 is situated between 5 and 10 degrees.
[0120] FIG. 3a shows a schematic representation of a second cross-section of the tile 100 shown in FIG. 1. The figure shown in particular a cross-section of line B-B′. The figure shows the first edge 101 including a first coupling profile 109 and the second edge 102 including a second coupling profile 110. FIG. 3b shows a schematic representation of the coupled position of two tiles 100a, 100b including coupling profiles 109, 110 as shown in FIG. 3a. The first coupling profile 109 includes a sideward tongue 122 extending in a direction substantially parallel to the upper side of the tile 100. The second coupling profile 110 includes a recess 123 configured for accommodating at least a part of the sideward tongue 122 of a further tile, said recess 123 being defined by an upper lip 124 and a lower lip 125, wherein the first mechanical coupling profiles 109, 110 allow locking together of adjacent tiles 100 by inward angling whereby at least a part of the sideward tongue 122 is received by the recess 123. The bottom back region of the sideward tongue 122 of the first coupling profile 109 is configured as bearing region. The lower lip 125 of the second coupling profile 110 is provided with an upwardly protruding shoulder for supporting and/or facing the bearing region of the sideward tongue 122. The sideward tongue 122 is designed such that locking takes place by an introduction movement into the recess 123 of a further tile and a angling down movement about an axis parallel to the first coupling profile 109, as a result of which a top side of the sideward tongue 122 will engage the upper lip 124 and the bearing region of the sideward tongue will be supported by and/or will be facing the shoulder of the lower lip 125, leading to locking of adjacent tiles 100a, 100b at the first and second edges 101, 102 in both horizontal direction and vertical direction.
[0121] FIGS. 3c-g show different alternative embodiments of the first coupling profile 109c-g and the second coupling profile 110c-g which can be present at the first edge 101c-g and the second edge 102c-g of a tile 100c-g according to the invention. One or more of these coupling profiles 109c-g, 110c-g may be applied to the tile 101 as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3c show that a front region of the sideward tongue 122c of the first coupling profile 109c is provided with a rounded bottom surface. An outer end of the rounded bottom surface adjoins an inclined locking surface. An opposite end of the rounded bottom surface adjoins a bearing surface making part of a back region of the sideward tongue 122c. The second coupling profile 110c includes an upper lip 124c and a lower lip 125c defining a recess 123c. Both lips 124c, 125c are integrally connected to the base layer of the tile 100c. FIG. 3d shows a first and second coupling profile 109d, 110d of a tile 100d, wherein, instead of a smoothly rounded bottom portion a more hooked (segmented rounded) bottom portion is shown. In FIG. 3e, an embodiment of a tile 100e is shown which is almost identical to the tile shown in FIG. 3c, though wherein the first and second coupling profiles 109e, 110e are provided with horizontal locking surfaces instead of inclined locking surfaces. In FIG. 3f, an alternative embodiment of a tile 100f is shown, wherein the first and second coupling profiles 109f, 110f are shaped such that a bottom contact portion between the two coupling profiles 109f, 110f is partially smoothly rounded and partially discontinuously rounded (segmented rounded). The locking surfaces of a sideward tongue 122f of the first coupling profile 109f and of an upper lip 124f of the second coupling profile 110f have a substantially horizontal orientation. In FIG. 3g, an embodiment of a tile 100g almost identical to the tile 100f as shown in FIG. 3f is shown, with the difference that a front bottom part of a sideward tongue 122g is not smoothly rounded, but flat giving a bottom portion of the sideward tongue 122g as such a segmented rounded (hooked) shape.
[0122] FIG. 4 show a schematic representation of a side view of the laminate details of a first possible embodiment of a tile 200 according to the invention. The tile 200 includes a substantially rigid base layer 201 at least partially made of a foamed composite including at least one a closed cell foam plastic material and at least one filler. The base layer 201 includes a lower side or bottom surface 201b and an upper side 201a. The coupling profiles are generally provided at the rigid base layer 201. The tile 100 includes an upper substrate 202 affixed to the upper side 201a of the base layer 201. An adhesive 203, which can be a layer or coating, is provided between the upper surface 201a of the rigid base layer 201 and the lower surface 202b of the upper substrate layer 202 to join the upper substrate layer 202 and the rigid base layer 201 together. The tile 200 can possibly include a design pattern or a decorative appearance of any selected type on or at the upper surface 202a of the substrate layer 202. The design pattern can be a wood grain design, a mineral grain design that resembles marble, granite or any other natural stone grain, or a colour pattern, colour blend or single colour to name just a few design possibilities. The decoration or design pattern can be printed onto or otherwise applied to the upper surface 202a of the upper substrate layer 202, but is preferably provided on a separate printing film or decorative layer 204 of any suitable known plastic material. The decorative layer 204 is covered by a transparent or semi-transparent abrasion resistant wear layer 205 of known material and fabrication through which the design layer 204 can be viewed. The top of the wear layer 205 is the top surface of the tile 100. Possibly a transparent finishing layer (not shown) can be situated in between the decorative layer 204 and the wear layer 205. The tile 100 can be provided with any of the coupling elements shown in the previous figures. The upper substrate layer 202, the design layer 204 and the wear layer 205 can be initially laminated together to form an upper substrate laminate subassembly 206. The laminate subassembly 206 and the base layer 201 can then be laminated together to form the tile 200. Coupling profiles are typically applied to one or both pairs of opposing edges of the tile 200, wherein examples of these coupling profiles are shown in FIGS. 1-3g. The tile 200 shown in this FIG. 4 may be the same tile as shown in one of FIGS. 1-3g.
[0123] FIG. 5 show a schematic representation of a side view of the laminate details of a second possible embodiment of a tile 300 according to the invention. The tile 300 includes a substantially rigid base layer 301 at least partially made of a composite of at least one plastic material and at least one filler, wherein the composite and/or the at least one plastic material includes and/or is formed by a closed cell foam. It is also possible that the substantially rigid base layer 301 is at least partially made of a non-foamed (solid) composite including at least one plastic material and at least one filler. The tile 300 includes a plurality of strip shaped upper substrates 302a-e affixed to the upper side 301a of the base layer 301. The plurality of strip shaped upper substrates 302a-e can be pre-assembled before they are affixed to the base layer 301. The upper substrates 302a-e are affixed to the upper side 301a of the base layer 301 by means of an adhesive 303. However, it is also possible that the upper substrates 302a-e are affixed to the upper side 301a of the base layer 301 by means of a high pressure and high pressure treatment. The upper substrates 302a-e are covered by a transparent or semi-transparent abrasion resistant wear layer 305 of known material and fabrication. The upper substrates 302a-e have a parallel orientation. The profiling of a tile 300 is generally done after the laminating of the tile 300. The coupling profile will provided in the rigid base layer 301. If an underlayment 306 or backing 306 (shown in dotted lines) is used, the underlayment 306 is affixed to a lower side 301b of the base layer 301 after the profiling step. The underlayment 306 can for example be made of polyethylene (PE), polyurethane or cork.
[0124] FIGS. 6a and 6b show schematic representations of two different types of tile configurations, wherein the first mechanical coupling means of one type of tile (A) along the first pair of opposite edges are arranged in a mirror-inverted manner relative to the corresponding first mechanical coupling means along the same first pair of opposite edge portions of the other type of tile (B). The figures show a top view. FIG. 6a shows a tile 600A wherein the first coupling profile 609 is arranged at the first edge 601, the second coupling profile 610 is arranged at the second edge 602, the third coupling profile 611 is arranged at the third edge 603 and the fourth coupling profile 612 is arranged at the fourth edge 604. FIG. 6b, however, shows a tile 600B with a configuration wherein the first coupling profile 609 is arranged at the second edge 602, the second coupling profile 610 is arranged at the first edge 601, the third coupling profile 611 is arranged at the third edge 603 and the fourth coupling profile 612 is arranged at the fourth edge 604. The coupling profiles 609, 610, 611, 612 can be any of the coupling profiles as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-3g. For both A and B type of tiles the first edge 601 and the third edge 603 enclose a first acute angle 605, and wherein the second edge 602 and the fourth edge 604 enclose a second acute angle 606 opposing said first acute angle 605, and the second edge 602 and the third edge 603 enclose a first obtuse angle 607, and wherein the first edge 601 and the fourth edge 604 enclose a second obtuse angle 608 opposing said first obtuse angle 607. Each tile 600A, 600B includes a substantially rigid base layer at least partially made of a composite including a closed cell foam plastic material and at least one filler. Each tile 600A, 600B furthermore includes a plurality of strip shaped upper substrates 620a-f affixed to an upper side of the base layer, wherein said upper substrates 620a-f are arranged side by side in the same plane in a parallel configuration. Both the tiles 600A, 600B and the strip shaped upper substrates 620a-f have the shape of a parallelogram. When interconnecting multiple tiles 600A, 600B as shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b, the upper substrates 620a-f will form a chevron pattern. This will be shown in more detail in FIG. 8. The upper substrates 620a-f include a decorative layer and an abrasion resistant wear layer covering said decorative layer. From aesthetic point of view it is desirable is the decorative layers of at least two adjacently arranged upper substrates 620a-f have different appearances as this may accentuate the chevron pattern. The plurality of upper substrates 620a-f substantially completely cover the upper surface of the base layer of the tiles 600A, 600B. Each of the plurality of upper substrates 620a-f therefore extends from the first edge 601 to the second edge 602 of the tile 600A, 600B. The upper substrates 620a-e have a parallel orientation wherein the longitudinal direction of each upper substrate 620a-e is in line with the third edge 603 and the fourth edge 604 of the tile 600A, 600B. The ideal number and dimensions of upper substrates 620a-f is amongst others dependent on the dimensions of the tile 600A, 600B. In the shown embodiments of tiles 600A, 600B is the length of the first edge 601 of a tile 600A, 600B substantially identical to the length of the second edge 602 of the tile 600A, 600B. This length is greater than the length of the third edge 603 and the fourth edge 604 of said tile 600A, 600B. The first acute angle 605 and the second acute angle 606 are situated between 30 and 60 degrees, and are preferably substantially 45 degrees. The first obtuse angle 607 and the second obtuse angle 608 are situated between 120 and 150 degrees, and are preferably substantially 135 degrees.
[0125] FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of a first example of a multi-purpose tile system 770 according to the invention including a plurality of multi-purpose tiles 700A, 700B. The figure shows a top view. The system 770 includes two different types of tiles 700A, 700B. In the shown embodiments of tiles 700A, 700B are the lengths (L1) of the first edge 701 and the second edge 702 of a tile 700A, 700B significantly greater than the length (L2) of the third edge 703 and the fourth edge 704 of said tile 700A, 700B. For this configuration it is beneficial if the first edge 701 and the second edge 702 include coupling profiles arranged for inward angling of adjacent tiles 700A, 700B and that the third edge 703 and the fourth edge 704 include coupling profiles arranged for further locking of the tiles 700A, 700B. Examples of the possible coupling profiles which can be applied are shown in FIGS. 1-3g.
[0126] FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of a second example of a multi-purpose tile system 880 according to the invention including a plurality of multi-purpose tiles 800A, 800B. The figure shows a top view. The tiles 800A, 800B are equivalent to the tiles 600A, 600B shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b, and having equivalent coupling profiles of which examples are also shown in FIGS. 1-3g. The tiles 800A, 800B have the shape of a parallelogram, wherein opposing edges 801, 802, 803, 804 have a similar length and adjacent edges differ in length. Each tile 800A, 800B includes a plurality of strip shaped upper substrates 820a-f affixed to an upper side of the base layer. The upper substrates 820a-f are parallel oriented. The longitudinal direction of each upper substrate 820a-f of a tile 800A, 800B is substantially parallel to the short edges of the tile 800A, 800B. The longitudinal direction of a tile 800A, 800B therefore differs from the longitudinal direction of an upper substrate 820a-e affixed thereto. When the tiles 800A, 800B are in a joined configuration, as is for example shown in the left side of the figure, the plurality of upper substrates 820a-e of a tile form a continuation of the upper substrates 820a-e of an adjacent tile in longitudinal direction of the tile. This means that the upper substrates 820a-e of an A-type of tile 800A are substantially parallel to the upper substrates of an adjacent A-type of tile 800A. The same applies to B-type of tiles 800B. Due to this configuration of upper substrates 820a-e, it will be difficult or even impossible to observe that the upper substrates 820a-e are not individual tiles which are mutually connected during formation of the tile system. It is a benefit of the configuration that not all the upper substrates 820a-e which visualize the chevron pattern have to be mutually joined. Due to the tiles 800A, 800B including a substantially rigid base layer at least partially made of a foamed composite including at least one plastic material and at least one filler, the tiles 800A, 800B have sufficient rigidity to have relatively large dimensions. The first edge 801 and second edge 802 can for example be up to 2 meter in length (L). The width (W) of the tile can for example be 30-50 centimetre. Therefore the system according the invention can significantly reduce the required time for installation of the tile system 880 compared to a system including conventional tiles which are in the dimensions of an upper substrate 820a-e which conventional system visually seen looks similar.
[0127] FIG. 9 show a schematic representation of a third example of a multi-purpose tile system 990 according to the disclosure including a plurality of multi-purpose tiles 900A, 900B. The figure shows a top view. The tiles 900A, 900B are equivalent to the tiles 700A, 700b shown in FIG. 7, however the tiles 900A, 900B are joined in a different manner which results in different tile pattern of the tile system 990. The edges 901, 902, 903, 904 can be provided with coupling profiles as described in the previous figures. It is also possible that the tiles 900A, 900B have the shape of a rhombus or a rhomboid. Installation of the tile system 990 can be realized by inward angling of a sideward tongue of a first tile 900A, 900B to be installed into a recess of an already installed second tile 900A, 900B, which is typically—though not necessarily—realized by angling down the tile 900A, 900B to be installed with respect to the already installed tile 900A, 900B, which will lock the first tile 900A, 900B and the second tile 900A, 900B at least in vertical direction, but preferably also in horizontal direction. During this inward angling of the first tile 900A, 900B and the second tile 900A, 900B, commonly the fourth coupling profile of the first tile 900A, 900B to be installed will be connected (simultaneously) to the third coupling profile of another already installed third tile 900A, 900B, which is typically realized by lowering the first tile 900A, 900B with respect to the third tile 900A, 900B during which the third coupling profile and the fourth coupling profile will be scissored (zipped) into each other, which results in a locking of the first tile 900A, 900B with respect to the third tile 900A, 900B both in horizontal and vertical direction.
[0128] FIG. 10 shows a schematic representation of a fourth example of a multi-purpose tile system 1100 according to the disclosure including a plurality of multi-purpose tiles 1000A, 1000B. The figure shows a top view. The tiles 1000A, 1000B are equivalent to the tiles shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b having equivalent coupling profiles at the first, second, third and fourth edge 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004, of which examples are also shown in FIGS. 1-3g. The multi-purpose tile system 1100 as shown in this figure has similarities with the systems 770, 880 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. The main difference can be found in the non-uniformity of the upper substrates 10a, 10b, 10c of the tiles 1000A, 1000B. Each tile 1000A, 1000B includes a plurality of strip shaped upper substrates 10a-c affixed to an upper side of the base layer. The upper substrates 10a-c are parallel oriented to each other. The number of upper substrates 10a-c can vary per tile 1000A, 1000B as the width Wa, Wb, Wc of the upper substrates 10a-c can vary. The width Wa, Wb, Wc is defined in a longitudinal direction L of the tile 1000A, 1000B. When the tiles 1000A, 1000B are in a joined configuration, as is for example shown in the left side of the figure, the plurality of upper substrates 10a-c form a non-uniform pattern of upper substrates 10a-c. Despite the upper substrates 10a-c shown all have a parallelogrammatic shape, it is also possible that the shape of the upper substrate deviates thereof.
[0129] FIG. 11 shows a schematic cross-section of a tile 1100 according to the present disclosure. The cross-section is comparable to the cross-sections of line A-A′ of the tile 100 as shown in FIG. 1. The coupling profiles 1111, 1112 are equivalent to the coupling profiles shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b, however further possible examples of coupling profiles which can be used are shown in FIGS. 1-3g. The tile 1100 includes a substantially rigid base layer 1101 at least partially made of a composite of at least one plastic material and at least one filler, wherein the composite and/or the at least one plastic material includes and/or is formed by a closed cell foam. The tile 1100 includes a plurality of strip shaped upper substrates 1102a, 1102b affixed to the upper side 1101a of the base layer 1101. The plurality of strip shaped upper substrates 1102a, 1102b can be pre-assembled before they are affixed to the base layer 1101. The upper substrates 1102a, 1102b may for example be affixed to the upper side 1101a of the base layer 1101 by means of an adhesive. The upper substrates 1102a, 1102b are typically covered by a transparent or semi-transparent abrasion resistant wear layer. A backing layer 1106 is affixed to a lower side 1101b of the base layer 1101 after the profiling step. The upper substrates 1102a, 1102b have a parallel configuration, and facing longitudinal edges of the adjacent strip shaped upper substrates 1102a, 1102b are provided, near the top side, with a bevel 1170. Each bevel 1170 is provided at facing longitudinal edges of a shaped upper substrate 1102a, 1102b and is formed by a cut-away portion and/or imprinted portion of the wear layer. The bevels 1170 are applied to prevent visible seam formation, and secures a seamless engagement of adjacent upper substrates 1102a, 1102b. Each strip shaped upper substrate 1102a, 1102b typically includes a back layer situated in between the base layer 1101 and the decorative layer of said upper substrate 1102a, 1102b. The width of a top portion of the back layer is in a preferred embodiment larger than the width of a bottom portion of the back layer, typically as seen in cross-section, as can also be seen in FIG. 12. This may result in improved seamless and tight engagement of adjacent upper substrates 1102a, 1102b. The bottom portion of opposing longitudinal edges of the back layer is preferably chamfered. FIG. 11 shows that the upper substrate 1102a, 1102b are positioned rather tightly next to each other, and since a narrowing width of the bottom portion of the upper substrates 1102a, 1102b are applied, a small air channel 1171 is formed in between the adjacent upper substrates 1102a, 1102b, at the bottom side of said upper substrates.
[0130] FIG. 12 shows a detailed cross-section of an upper substrate 1102 as used in the tile 1100 according to FIG. 11. The figure shows that the strip shaped upper substrate 1102 includes: a decorative layer 1104 and an abrasion resistant wear layer 1105 covering said decorative layer 1104. A top surface of said wear layer 1105 is the top surface of the tile 1100. The wear layer 1105 is typically made of a transparent and/or translucent material, such that decorative layer 1104 is visible through the transparent wear layer 1105. The longitudinal edges of the strip shaped upper substrate 1102 is provided with a bevel 1170. The bevel 1170 is applied to prevent visible seam formation, and secures a seamless engagement of adjacent upper substrates 1102. The bevel 1170 is formed by a cut-away portion of the wear layer 1105. Hence, in the shown embodiment, the bevel 1170 is positioned above the decorative layer 1104, wherein the bevel 1170 leaves the decorative layer 1104 intact. The bevel 1170 typically has an angle (alpha) between 10 and 30 degrees below the horizontal surface as defined by the top surface of the tile. The angle of the bevel 1170 in the shown embodiment is about 15 degrees. It is conceivable that a transparent finishing layer situated in between the decorative layer 1104 and the wear layer 1105. The strip shaped upper substrate 1102 includes a back layer 1180 situated in between the base layer of the tile (not shown) and the decorative layer 1104. The back layer 1180 is preferably made of thermoplastic material, such as PVC or PET. Preferably, the back layer 1180 thickness is at least 50% of the thickness of the upper substrate. It can be seen that the width (W) of a top portion of the back layer 1180 is larger than the width of a bottom portion of the back layer 1180.
[0131] FIG. 13 shows another schematic cross-section of the tile as shown in FIG. 11. The cross-section is comparable to the cross-sections of line B-B′ of the tile 100 as shown in FIG. 1. The coupling profiles 1111, 1112 are equivalent to the coupling profiles shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, however further possible examples of coupling profiles which can be used are shown in FIGS. 1-3g. It can be seen that the short edges of the upper substrate 1102 is also provided with a bevel 1170s, near the top surface, which allows or facilitates adjacent tiles to engage seamless to each other.
[0132] FIG. 14 shows a cross-section of a multilayer base layer 1401 for use in a tile according to the present disclosure. The figure shows that the base layer 1401 includes basically three layers 1401a, 1401b, 1401c. The upper layer 1401a and the bottom layer 1401c enclose a foamed mid layer 1401b. Hence, a laminate of composite layers 1401a, 1401b, 1401c stacked on top of each other is formed. This a multilayer base layer 1401 may, for example, be formed by co-extrusion. It can be seen that the different composite layers 1401a, 1401b, 1401c of the base layer 1401 have a different composition. The upper layer 1401a and the bottom layer 1401c have a (rather) solid structure, while the mid layer 1401 has a foam structure. Therefore, a sandwiched structure wherein two substantially solid composite layers 1401a, 1401c enclosing a foam composite layer 1401b is obtained.
[0133] FIG. 15 shows a detailed cross-section of a further example of a foamed base layer 1501 for use in a tile according to the present disclosure. It can be seen that curst layers (C) are formed within the foamed base layer 1501 both at a top section (top portion) and a bottom section (bottom portion) of the foamed base layer 1501. This crust layers form integral part of the base layer 1501. Further, the crust layers of the top section and the bottom section of the base layer 1501 enclosing the foam structure (F). Each crust layer has a relatively closed cell structure. It can be seen that the crust layers C have a reduced porosity compared to the more porous foam structure F. The center section of the foamed base layer 1501 is enclosed by both crust layers. The foamed center section has a larger thickness than the thickness of a crust layer. The center section has a substantially homogeneous cell size. The average cell size of the foamed section F of the foamed base layer 1501 is typically situated in between 60 and 140 micron, more in particular between 80 and 120 micron.
[0134] It will be apparent that the disclosure is not limited to the working examples shown and described herein, but that numerous variants are possible within the scope of the attached claims that will be obvious to a person skilled in the art. Moreover, one or more details and technical features mentioned in the above description of various embodiments of the tile according to the disclosure may be incorporated in the tiles as shown in the figures and as described above. Hence, the above-described inventive concepts are illustrated by several illustrative embodiments. It is conceivable that individual inventive concepts may be applied without, in so doing, also applying other details of the described example. It is not necessary to elaborate on examples of all conceivable combinations of the above-described inventive concepts, as a person skilled in the art will understand numerous inventive concepts can be (re)combined in order to arrive at a specific application.
[0135] The verb “include” and conjugations thereof used in this patent publication are understood to mean not only “include”, but are also understood to mean the phrases “contain”, “substantially consist of”, “formed by” and conjugations thereof.
